2011 The Year in Review

2011 has been a busy year for Monaco and the Princely House of Grimaldi. In January, Prince Albert visited the Middle East, the Circus visited Monaco and Princess Caroline showed how good you can look at 54 (provided you are blessed with the proper genes). In February Princess-to-be Charlene returned to her native South Africa and did some swimming for charity and Prince Albert talked about the environment. In February the Prince came to the United States but later in the month tragedy struck with the passing of Princess Antoinette, Baroness de Massy, who had celebrated her 90th birthday only the month before. Monaco went into mourning and the Casiraghi Trio carried the proverbial torch at the Rose Ball which the senior members of the family did not attend. Before the month was out the Portalis Institute made the Sovereign Prince an honorary doctor. Sounds nice doesn’t it? “Our Prince, the doctor”. In April, Charlene officially joined the Roman Catholic Church (being an Olympic swimmer, swimming the Tiber was surely no chore). Prince Albert II and Charlene visited Ireland, the homeland of Princess Grace’s Kelly ancestors and later Prince Albert and his bride-to-be attended the grand royal wedding of Prince William to Catherine Middleton in London (taking down notes the whole time I’m sure).

The month of May saw Prince Albert jet down to South America and saw racing fans from all over the world gather in Monte Carlo for the 2011 Monaco Grand Prix. In June the Sovereign Prince visited Estonia and Charlene was named Global Ambassador for the Special Olympics. Albert and Charlene were featured on their own new stamps, Charlene appeared in Vogue magazine and the wedding preparations reached a frenzied pace. In July the big day came as Charlene Wittstock officially became Princess consort of Monaco in a fantastic, open-air wedding in the courtyard of the Princely Palace. Despite the efforts of a few malcontents and some stunning examples of yellow journalism, the day was a great success. The royal houses of the world were well represented and the people of Monaco were front and center to see the day many thought would never come, when the bachelor Prince of Monaco finally married. After the wedding the couple were off to South Africa for some Olympic business and later a secluded honeymoon. Princess Stephanie carried on just fine on her own at the Fight AIDS Monaco summer gala and later an upset Prince Albert took aim at the disreputable practices of the gossip-peddlers in the media who had tried so hard and so unsuccessfully to spoil his wedding day. One French magazine editor at least responded with reason and maturity -nah, just kidding, he actually called for Monaco to be invaded and taken over by France. That should show everyone just how credible he is!

In August, the Grand Master of the Knights of Malta (of which Albert is a member) came for a visit. The new Princely couple made a grand splash at the Red Cross Ball and a long-time anti-Monaco blogger (with an obsessive hatred of the Prince and all of his friends) was given a judicial smack-down by the French legal system. His effort to sue the entire country of Monaco was thrown out by the French court in September. Also that month, Prince Albert visited the Caucasus nation of Georgia followed by a visit to Mother Russia itself for an environmentalist conference in Archangel. Princess Stephanie, along with daughters Pauline and Camille visited Russia in September as well for the “Contest of the Circus Arts” at the Tenth International Youth Festival. Princess Caroline was busy in October, honoring the choreographer Robert Wilson who produced a musical on the life of Princess Grace and handing out the awards for the Prince Pierre Foundation. The President and First Lady of Croatia came to visit the Palace, Prince Albert and Princess Charlene went to Nepal and, in one of my favorite stories, a drunken Frenchman was sentenced to six days in jail for insulting the Sovereign Prince when the bar he stumbled into would sell him no alcohol. After sobering up the man apologized and said he was really quite fond of our Albie so we’ll let it go at that.

November had plenty of the usual appearances, visits, award ceremonies and the like for the Grimaldis. Prince Albert and Princess Charlene made their first trip to the United States as husband and wife, Princess Stephanie gave some nosy photographers an eye full on vacation and the Monegasque all came out for National Day to celebrate six years on the throne for Albert II. In December, Princess Stephanie put in extra duty for the week of World AIDS Day, Prince Albert attended an environmentalist conference in South Africa and Princess Charlene inaugurated her own charitable foundation which will focus on children followed by a happy round of the usual Christmas traditions. All in all, 2011 has been a great year for the Grimaldi family and the monarchy of Monaco. There was the occasional unpleasantness but, in the end, Prince Albert prevailed over his antagonists. The loss of Princess Antoinette was, no doubt, the lowest point but, given her age and infirmities, hardly unexpected. The crowning event, without question, was the Princely wedding, a glamorous and happy occasion many thought they would never see. Despite their detractors, Prince Albert and Princess Charlene have gotten off to a great start and in a year in which most of the rest of the world has known one crisis after another, Monaco has sailed on relatively unscathed with her Sovereign Prince at the helm, his new Princess by his side and with Caroline and Stephanie, each in their own unique way, serving their country, serving others and supporting their brother as only they can. Overall, a good year. Here’s hoping 2012 will be even better.

Happy New Year wishes to one and all and thanks for reading
Mad for Monaco.

The 2011 Monaco Madness Awards

Friends, Romans, Monegasque monarchists, we are gathered here today to honor the “epic wins” and “epic fails” of 2011. Let’s get right down to it shall we:

The Al Gore Award for obsessive environmentalism, once again, goes to HSH Prince Albert II for never missing a conference, awards ceremony or speech opportunity involving the environment, climate change and/or global warming. As usual, it wasn’t even close. Congrats!

The Charlie Sheen Award, for “WINNING!” goes to TSH Prince Albert and Princess Charlene together; Princess Charlene for swimming for charity, Prince Albert for promoting world peace through football and to the couple for actually putting a meeting of the International Olympic Committee before their own honeymoon. That, my friends, is dedication.

The Charlotte Casiraghi Award, for extreme gorgeousness above and beyond the call of duty goes, once again, to Charlotte Casiraghi. As usual, it wasn’t even close but, then again, there’s a reason why the gorgeousness award had to be named after Charlotte Casiraghi, the only girl gorgeous enough to win the Charlotte Casiraghi Award. Congrats!

The Cathy Barry Award, for having the most well-stocked dairy department of any princess over the age of 40 goes to HSH Princess Stephanie. Be proud of what you’ve got, why not. And how you got it is nobody’s business but your own. We love you unconditionally sweetheart. Additionally, the Little Jimmy Dickens Award for best monkeyshines goes to her daughter Camille for making faces at the paparazzi. You go girl!

The G.I. Jane Award for being a real trooper goes to HSH Princess Charlene for putting up with a media frenzy of rumors and gossip all intended to ruin the happiest day of her life -and never letting it get her down but pulling it all off like a pro.

The Bjorn Award for extreme boldness in fashion goes to Andrea Casiraghi for wearing zebra-striped shoes to the AMADE gala this year. Sorry Steph, this year your nephew takes the prize. Better luck next year.

The Buford Pusser Award for putting the smack-down on the bad guys goes to HSH Prince Albert II for taking the tabloids, media that act like tabloids and cranky old coots (who are totally not gay) to court for harassing his family and his country. Way to go Albie!

The Monaco Raspberry Award for being an example of an “epic fail” goes to Christophe Barbier, editor-in-chief of L’Express for actually calling for the annexation of Monaco by France because Prince Albert called him out for printing baseless accusations with no facts to back them up. Immature overreaction why not?

The Andy Dick Award for being a really big loser goes to French citizen “Hachim N” who was arrested for being roaring drunk in public and then was sentenced to six days in the dungeons of Monte Carlo for insulting the Sovereign Prince. LOSER!

Finally, closest to home, we have the oh-so prestigious Monaco Madness Medal which recognizes the weblog which has directed the most visitors to our humble corner of the internet. This year the Monaco Madness Medal goes to … (drum roll please) the blog Princesas to whom we owed over 5,000 visits last year, a landslide victory. Congratulations to Princesas and our sincerest thanks, you or your readers at least truly are Mad for Monaco. Wear your medal proudly.

Prince Albert II Looks Back

In this recent radio interview, HSH Prince Albert II answers questions and takes a look back at 2011, a very eventful year for the Principality of Monaco and the House of Grimaldi.

MM Video: National Day 2011

National Day 2011

As usual the day's festivities got started with a special mass of thanksgiving with the Princely Family all in attendance (Casiraghi trio and the de Massy clan included).

After that, it was time to decorate the troops and salute the march-past of the guards.

The Casiraghi trio don their most serious expressions for the military spectacle

Here you can just see Melanie on the far left, Princess Caroline, Baroness Elisabeth, Princess Charlene and Princely cousin Christopher Le Vine (nephew of Princess Grace)

Then of course it was time to greet the public from the balcony. At one point the guards band struck up the Toto song "Africa", evidently a hit as Charlotte was boppin' with the beat and Princess Caroline started to sing along with the chorus ... "I bless the rains down in Africa...."

Never fear, Princess Stephanie is here!

And of course, the stars were the Prince and Princess. Albert seemed to have to explain some of the cheers and chanting to Charlene but, on any occasion, get the Prince surrounded by his adoring people and he goes into full "Albie" mode, winking, pointing, waving and blowing kisses. Vive le Prince!

And finally a formal night out at the opera to close the day. Prince Albert, Princess Charlene and Princess Caroline attended (as usual) as did Andrea and Pierre Casiraghi (not so usual) and all posed for photographs with these two adorable albino children (kidding of course!). There was also a spectacular light show at the Princely Palace, all marking Albert II's six years on the throne as Sovereign Prince of Monaco. May HSH have many, many more.

Decorations for National Day

It is almost National Day and that means it's time to start handing out the decorations.

On Tuesday HSH Prince Albert II, at the Princely Palace, handed out medals of the Order of St Charles (the preeminent Monegasque order) to seven loyal courtiers, now retired, for their years of service to the monarchy. Later, some 14 Medals of Honor were given out to men and women of the volunteer services for their contribution to society in Monaco.

On Thursday TSH Prince Albert II, Princess Charlene and Princess Stephanie handed out special packages at the Monaco Red Cross headquarters to elderly citizens who have distinguished themselves for social action. The tradition continues.

Also at the Princely Palace, Prince Albert II handed out 79 Medals for Physical Education and Sport as part of the pre-National Day festivities. Princess Charlene also donated over a million South African dollars to the charity "Giving Trust Organization" in honor of the 80th birthday of celebrated civil rights activist Archbishop Desmond Tutu.

And yesterday, in a grand event in the throne room at the Princely Palace, more than 50 worthy individuals were honored with the Order of St Charles by HSH Prince Albert II and in the presence of HSH Princess Charlene, HRH Princess Caroline and Charlotte Casiraghi.

Now, just a few more hours until the big day is here.

Red Cross Ball 2011

The dust has now settled from the annual Red Cross Ball, the first major social function for the Monegasque newlyweds, held last night at the Monte-Carlo Sporting Club and it was a resounding success. Obviously, there was a greater amount of public attention paid to the event this year and no one seemed disappointed. The entertainment guest was British singer Joe Cocker and the customary donation of artwork to the Monaco Red Cross was by Peter Wüthrich. The collection was titled "Collection Mondo" and the tombola winnings were handed out by Dame Shirley Bassey (who organized the event) and Sandrine Quétier. The garden-paradise theme was enhanced by huge numbers of flowers decorating the Salle des Etolies of the Monte-Carlo Sporting Club. About 800 guests attended this, the 63rd annual Red Cross Ball, paying 1,000 euros each with all proceeds, of course, going to the Red Cross.

All the Grimaldi girls turned heads, though Princess Caroline's rather colorful choice of dress took a few people by surprise. Perhaps she and her sister mixed up their wardrobes?

The Princely party arrives. Princess Charlene was wearing her new Ocean tiara-necklace.

Left to right: Melanie de Massy, Princess Stephanie, Prince Albert II, Princess Charlene, Princess Caroline and Elisabeth-Ann de Massy. The Princely Family was out in full force!

Princess Caroline and cousin Elisabeth-Ann look as if they're having a good chuckle

The Sovereign Prince takes a turn on the dance floor.

The Prince and Princess of Monaco. How long have we waited for this picture?

MM Video: Rose Ball 2011

Rose Ball 2011

Yesterday was the annual Rose Ball to benefit the Princess Grace Foundation. Usually one of the highlights of social life in Monaco, this year a bit of a cloud hung over the celebration due to the passing of HSH Princess Antoinette who was once a regular feature on the arm of her nephew Prince Albert. Because of this, Princess Caroline, Prince Albert and Charlene were absent, as was the de Massy clan of course. However, the Casiraghi trio came through and represented the Grimaldi family for the event. The theme this year was Motown, the 'title' MOnaco TOWN. Alex, Beatrice and Tatiana were on hand supporting their respective Casiraghis. Other famous faces included Dame Shirley Bassey, Donatella Campioni de Filippo, Eugenie Niarchos, Margherita Missoni, singer VV Brown, Belgian racer Jacky Ickx, Prince Charles and Princess Camilla of Bourbon-Two Sicilies and The Temptations.

Andrea, supported by Pierre and Charlotte delivered a special tribute to Princess Antoinette. The Casiraghis left before the festivities started as a show of respect for their late great-aunt.

Obligatory pic of Charlotte

The ball was held at Sporting Monte Carlo

The decorations all reflect the Motown theme, chosen by Princess Caroline.

Princely New Year's Address

(an imperfect translation)

"Dear compatriots, dear friends,
I am pleased to express warm wishes I form for each and everyone of you, at the dawn of the new year.

In this period plagued by signs of economic recovery and where environmental concerns are now better understood, I would hope that we all recognize the need to adopt a lifestyle looking to the future. Together, demonstrating our confidence in the future and witness a real solidarity, both with our loved ones in our country and beyond our borders, with the disadvantaged.
The crisis has undoubtedly had the merit to show the collective dimension of ethical issues and to remind us that we must all work together. The uncertain financial environment and, in general, the tests require us to put our collective intelligence to build a more harmonious and just.

"Our upcoming projects or efface the past, nor extend the présent.Ils"
In a few days, we commemorate the centennial of the 1911 Constitution. I wanted to surround the celebration of a certain solemnity, but also a certain proximity, so that we remember that the Principality has always built on the union of the prince of Monaco and even in troubled times or difficult. In our country, every generation has always added a stone to those posed by its predecessors, our institutions are in cement. It is in this line that the Principality part, aware of its limitations, but animated by the desire to overcome them. Our future projects or efface the past nor the present. They extend.

1 and 2 July, the population of Monaco and Charlene accompany myself to celebrate our marriage, expressing publicly the union between our dynasty and the people of Monaco, which contemplates the continuity of the Principality.

And will open in the shared joy, a new page in our common history.

Youth in the Principality, whose desire for the future unfolds in a world of investing, I wish them fully done and find, through effort, training and work, the place they aspire to occupy at the heart of society.

To our seniors, to whom we owe much, I express my gratitude, especially for transmission paths they trace for generations to come. I also express to them the hope of health and serenity.
To all those and all those who, in Monaco, by their company, their action or work, realized a project which contributes to the economic and social life of our country, I hope that their forces thrive in this achievement.

To each and everyone of you who live in our country or made an impact abroad, I repeat: "Very Happy New Year 2011". "

(original)

"Chers compatriotes, chers amis,
Je suis heureux de vous exprimer les souhaits chaleureux que je forme à l’intention de chacune et chacun d’entre vous, à l’aube de la nouvelle année.

En cette période où se multiplient les signes de reprise économique et où les préoccupations environnementales sont désormais mieux comprises, je formule le vœu que nous prenions tous conscience de la nécessité d’adopter un mode de vie résolument tourné vers l’avenir. Ensemble, manifestons notre confiance dans le futur et témoignons d’une réelle solidarité, tant avec nos proches, dans notre pays, qu’au-delà de nos frontières, avec les populations moins favorisées.
La crise aura sans doute eu le mérite de faire apparaître la dimension collective des questions éthiques et de nous rappeler que nous devons tous travailler ensemble. Le contexte financier incertain et, de manière générale, les épreuves nous imposent de placer notre intelligence collective au service de l’édification d’une société plus harmonieuse et plus juste.

« Nos projets à venir n’effaceront ni le passé, ni le présent.Ils les prolongeront »

Dans quelques jours, nous commémorerons le centenaire de la Constitution de 1911. J’ai tenu à entourer cette célébration d’une certaine solennité, mais aussi d’une certaine proximité, afin que nous nous souvenions que la Principauté s’est toujours bâtie sur l’union du prince et des Monégasques, même dans les périodes troublées ou difficiles. Dans notre pays, chaque génération a toujours ajouté une pierre sur celles posées par ses prédécesseurs, nos institutions en étant le ciment. C’est dans cette lignée que la Principauté s’inscrit, consciente de ses limites, mais animée du désir de les surmonter. Nos projets à venir n’effaceront ni le passé, ni le présent. Ils les prolongeront.

Les 1er et 2 juillet, la population de Monaco accompagnera Charlène et moi-même pour la célébration de notre mariage, manifestant publiquement l’union entre notre dynastie et le peuple monégasque, laquelle fonde la pérennité de la Principauté.

Ainsi s’ouvrira, dans la joie partagée, une nouvelle page de notre histoire commune.
Aux jeunes de la Principauté, dont le désir d’avenir se déploie dans un monde à investir, je leur souhaite de s’accomplir pleinement et de trouver, par l’effort, la formation et le travail, la place qu’ils aspirent à occuper au cœur de la société.

À nos aînés, auxquels nous devons beaucoup, j’exprime ma reconnaissance, notamment pour les chemins de transmission qu’ils tracent aux générations qui arrivent. Je forme aussi, pour eux, le vœu de la santé et de la sérénité.

À toutes celles et tous ceux qui, à Monaco, par leur entreprise, leur action ou leur travail, concrétisent un projet qui contribue à la vie économique et sociale de notre pays, je souhaite que leurs forces vives s’épanouissent dans cette réalisation.
À chacune et à chacun d’entre vous, qui vivez dans notre pays ou le faites rayonner à l’étranger, je redis : “Très heureuse année 2011” ».

Happy New Year!